Los Angeles City Council member Ysabel Jurado has publicly denounced Home Depot, accusing the hardware retailer of being “complicit” in immigration raids carried out by federal agents outside its stores. Jurado also voiced strong opposition to a new Home Depot location opening in the Eagle Rock neighborhood.
“Take your orange aprons somewhere else. Home Depot has no place in Eagle Rock,” Jurado posted on social media.
The council member cited a recent operation outside a Home Depot in Westlake last week, saying it marked the fourth immigration raid at that location since June. She said by refusing to speak out against the actions of federal immigration officials, Home Depot is “complicit” in these operations.
“These raids are part of a disturbing pattern across Los Angeles, with ICE repeatedly targeting Home Depot parking lots – common gathering spots for day laborers – without judicial warrants, in clear violations of people’s rights. And yet, Home Depot has remained silent,” Jurado said.
Video published by the Los Angeles Times showed federal agents arriving in a van near the Westlake Home Depot on Thursday and apprehending street vendors. At least 15 people were arrested. The same location was also the site of “Operation Trojan Horse,” when agents in early August used a Penske truck to arrest more than a dozen illegal immigrants.
“When your name becomes associated with terror, and you refuse to speak, you become complicit. Home Depot has chosen power and profit over the working people who sustain it,” Jurado added. “I unequivocally oppose Home Depot coming to Eagle Rock Plaza, a mall that has been a gathering place for the Filipino community in Los Angeles. I will not allow violence to take root in our neighborhoods. Our communities deserve safety, dignity, and businesses that fight for the people, not against them.”
In a statement to Fox News, Home Depot said it has no role in immigration enforcement and is not notified by ICE about activities near its locations.
“We aren’t notified that ICE activities are going to happen, and we’re not requesting them. In many cases, we don’t know that arrests have taken place until after they’re over. We’re required to follow all federal and local rules and regulations in every market where we operate,” a spokesperson said.
